Dakin ‘Beat the Heat’ program urges early spaying

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society is asking pet owners to “beat the heat” by spaying all female cats in advance of their reproductive cycles in an effort to prevent unwanted litters this spring.

According to Candice Lash, Dakin spokeswoman, animal adoption centers and shelters commonly refer to spring as “kitten season,” because that is when they receive the largest influx of unwanted litters.

To help reduce the number of homeless cats born this spring, Dakin is offering a “Beat the Heat” promotion, which is being sponsored by PetSmart Charities.

During all of February, the clinic will spay 250 female cats for a special rate of $20.

Spaying a female cat before her first heat cycle is more beneficial than waiting until one heat cycle has occurred, said Lash. She said spaying is known to improve the health of a cat, including reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.

“Female cats can have as many as three litters a year, and kittens can breed as young as four months old,” said Leslie Harris, executive director of Dakin.

Cat owners must make an appointment with Dakin to have their felines spayed. All spays will be done at the Springfield facility.

To schedule an appointment, call 781-4019.

For more information and directions to the Springfield facility, visit www.dpvhs.org.